Abstract: The low flow irrigation system can be used for batch or continuous time-dependent watering. It takes the form of a reservoir tank with a screen basket which filters out large particles from the water coming into the system. A float valve shuts off and turns on the intake water to preserve a predetermined level of water. Once the tank is filled initially, a siphon is started to begin flow into the standpipe, then into the distributor header. From there water flows through holes into plant water tubes and out to the plant clusters. All of the openings in the system allow for finely suspended matter to flow through so that waste water may be used. This system allows for easy adjustment of flow rates, while solving the water loss problems by limiting the area wet and eliminating the spray. The results are low water and energy usage, along with efficient plant nutrient application with minimal ground water pollution.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing appendages (10A) from articles or produce (10) comprising a first conveyor (12) carrying a plurality of pairs of counter-rotating rolls (16) and (17) for movement along an inclined section (14). The articles are introduced through a chute (15) to roll down the inclined section with the appendages being caught and pulled therefrom by the counter-rotating rolls. A second conveyor (60) carries plows (71) to contact and regulate the dwell time of the articles on the pinch rolls. The dwell time can be regulated by changing the speed of the first and second conveyors and the inclination of the first conveyor. A waste tray (48) catches the removed appendages and blades (49) carried on the bottom side of the first conveyor move the waste debris from the waste tray.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously preparing both open-core and closed-core apples for cold storage includes subjecting a batch of such apples in a sealed chamber to a treatment in a pressurized bath of CaCl.sub.2 solution and selectively reducing and increasing the pressure of the atmosphere in the chamber to effect penetration of the solution in desired quantities into both types of apples.

Abstract: A continuous cooking or sterilizing process employs apparatus wherein particulate foods are cooked under pressure in and by the cooking sauce with which the food is eventually packed in containers. The sauce is externally heated in a heat exchanger to the sterilizing temperature, and the food and sauce are cooled under pressure by injecting cooled sterile sauce into the hot mixture of cooked product and sauce before the mixture is released to atmosphere. By cooking the product directly in the sauce, product flavor is enhanced and upon cooling, the absorbed sauce is cooled below the flash temperature preventing damage to the cellular portions of the food particles on pressure release. Thus during the canning operation, only a relatively short reheat of the sealed containers and possibly the product is necessary to resterilize the outer portions of the food particles, the cooking sauce, and the interior of the containers.

Abstract: A continuous cooking or sterilizing process employs apparatus wherein particulate foods are cooked under pressure in and by the cooking sauce with which the food is eventually packed in containers. The sauce is externally heated in a heat exchanger to the sterilizing temperature, and the food and sauce are cooled under pressure by injecting cooled sterile sauce into the hot mixture of cooked product and sauce before the mixture is released to atmosphere. By cooking the product directly in the sauce, product flavor is enhanced and upon cooling, the absorbed sauce is cooled below the flash temperature preventing damage to the cellular portions of the food particles on pressure release. Thus during the canning operation, only a relatively short reheat of the sealed containers and possibly the product is necessary to resterilize the outer portions of the food particles, the cooking sauce, and the interior of the containers.

Abstract: A dry peeler for fleshy fruit is formed as a rotating cage having an annular helical conveyor with axially extending, circumferentially spaced neoprene peeling cords 3/8 inch in diameter stretched between adjacent convolutions of the helical conveyor. A neoprene stabilizing cable is tied to the mid portions of the peeling cords, which cable can surround all cords or can be threaded to pass inside and outside of selected peeling cords for increasing the aggressiveness of the peeling action.

Abstract: A dry peeler is provided for food products such as vegetables, potatoes or the like which have had their skins softened and loosened such as by a caustic treatment bath. The dry peeler is formed as a rotary cylindrical cage having an abradant surface provided by an envelope of axially extending, circumferentially spaced, parallel, braided stainless steel wire cables, stretched between axially spaced rings, with a screw conveyor fitting within the envelope of cables. Both the cage of cables and the screw are rotated and the flexible cables abrade off and undercut a high percentage of the skins of the pre-treated products without the addition of water during the peeling process. Alternate cable supporting rings are rotatably adjustable to vary the tension on the cables.